THE end of an era was celebrated on December 21, 1969 when the last steam train locomotive in Queensland was run in Mackay.

The steam era farewell celebrations were organised by Mackay Rotary Club in co-operation with Queensland Railway Department, now simply known as Queensland Rail.

The annual Mackay Sugar cane crush in 1969 was also the last local crush to use steam trains to transport cane to the sugar mills. Early planning for the event by the club was under way by November 18, 1969.


The Courier

By Steven Pritchard

August 23, 2018 - 7:28AM

Thousands of Mackay people wanted tickets on the last steam train in Queensland in 1969, prompting organisers to put on a second train. Picture: Daily Mercury Archives

Thousands of Mackay people wanted tickets on the last steam train in Queensland in 1969, prompting organisers to put on a second train. Picture: Daily Mercury Archives
THE end of an era was celebrated on December 21, 1969 when the last steam train locomotive in Queensland was run in Mackay.

The steam era farewell celebrations were organised by Mackay Rotary Club in co-operation with Queensland Railway Department, now simply known as Queensland Rail.

The annual Mackay Sugar cane crush in 1969 was also the last local crush to use steam trains to transport cane to the sugar mills. Early planning for the event by the club was under way by November 18, 1969.

Tickets for a final ride on a steam train went on sale on December 4, 1969

These were available from the Mackay Ambulance Station at the corner of Sydney and Alfred streets (since demolished) and at an Ambulance Christmas Ham Wheel stall which was then being conducted in Victoria Street, outside Burnett's Café.

Souvenir tickets were cheap for the historic occasion, with an adult fare costing 50 cents and children's fare costing 25 cents. Funds from the ticket sales were donated to the Mackay Ambulance Brigade. It was reported that space for some 1000 passengers would be available.

Popular demand for tickets for the historic rail event saw a second train announced by the Mackay Rotary Club on December 16, 1969. Local train enthusiasts and fans were warned, however, that a third train would not be available on the day.

Two trains from Rockhampton were to be used for the event and they had arrived in Mackay by December 17, 1969. The trains had been painted for the special occasion; green with a red trim, standard colours for the class of train which was to be used.